Marc Antoine Fortune made a loan switch from West Bromwich Albion to Doncaster Rovers, while new Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton also raided his old club to sign George Thorne and Joe Mattock on loan.

The French Guiana-born forward Fortune has moved to Doncaster until January 2, while midfielder Thorne, 18, and 21-year-old left-back Mattock have moved to the south coast until the same date.

Fortunate: Doncaster will be pleased to secure Fortune on loan

'We've got plenty of experience, but I'm desperate to bring more competition for places,' said Appleton.

Aston Villa have surprised some fans by sending midfielder Gary Gardner to Coventry City on a month's loan, while Fulham have sent Marcello Trotta to Wycombe Wanderers to gain some experience.

Elsewhere, Tamas Priskin is relishing the prospect of a new challenge with Derby after a frustrating start to the season at Ipswich.

Gardening leave: Aston Villa's Gardener has moved to Coventry

Priskin, 25, has found himself well down the pecking order at Portman Road, featuring in only one game for Paul Jewell's side.

Derby have signed the Hungarian on a deal until January 2 after injuries to Theo Robinson, Nathan Tyson and Steven Davies left them short of options in attack.

It is always a frustration for a player when he is not playing. I was frustrated and that is why I am really happy to come to Derby,' Priskin said.

Sheffield United have brought striker James Beattie back to the club on a short-term deal.

Beattie, a free agent since leaving Rangers in the summer, will stay at Bramall Lane until mid-January.

The 33-year-old, who scored 34 goals during his season-and-a-half stay at Bramall Lane before being sold to Stoke for £3.5million in January 2009, said: 'I'm delighted to be back. Sheffield United is a club that is very close to my heart.

'I was at the [Carlisle] game on Saturday and the fans were singing my name, which was nice, and this was always one of the clubs I wanted to return to.

Free: Beattie left Rangers on a free and has been snapped up

'I've signed a deal until January, which is good for me but more importantly the club, given I haven't played much at all in the last 18 months to two years.'

Blades boss Danny Wilson added: 'After speaking to him a couple of times, we both felt relaxed about the situation but, despite other interest, he was determined to return here, which is fantastic.'

Huddersfield have acquired Alex Bruce on a short-term loan deal from Leeds.

The 27-year-old defender, who can count Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich among his former clubs, will link up with the Terriers until January 2.

Leeds have also sent Paul Rachubka to Tranmere Rovers after picking up Maik Taylor from Birmingham on a two-month loan deal.

Forgotten QPR winger Lee Cook has joined League One side Leyton Orient on a month's loan.

The 29-year-old's career has been blighted by injuries in recent seasons and he has started just 40 games in the last four-and-a-half years.

His one appearance for Rangers this term came in a 2-0 home Carling Cup defeat by Rochdale in August.

Millwall defender Tony Craig has also joined the Os, while defender Elliot Omozusi's contract has been terminated.

Charlie Daniels has also left the club, joining Bournemouth on loan ahead of a six-figure permanent deal in January.

Custodian: Rachubka has moved to Tranmere Rovers

Peterborough striker David Ball has rejoined Rochdale on loan.

Ball, who enjoyed a successful temporary stay at the League One club earlier this season, will remain at Spotland until January.

Dale have also completed the signing of Angolan defender Kuagica David following a successful trial period.

Everton's Jake Bidwell is heading to Brentford, while Jose Baxter has extended his loan signing with Tranmere for a third month.